Rafael Nadal recently shared his thoughts on rivalries in tennis, emphasizing that he regards Roger Federer as his “biggest rival.” This perspective stems from the fact that Federer was a prominent figure when Nadal first stepped onto the tour.
In reflecting on his early years in professional tennis, Nadal noted that they left “a special mark” on him. He also characterized his rivalry with Novak Djokovic as an “incredible challenge,” highlighting the intense competition among the three players, which many consider to be among the greatest in the history of the sport.
Throughout their storied encounters, Nadal holds a 24-16 record against Federer. Their matches spanned a remarkable 15 years, from 2004 to 2019, during which Nadal triumphed in 10 of their 14 Grand Slam meetings. On the other hand, his battles with Djokovic have set an Open Era record, with the two facing off 60 times from 2006 to 2024. Although Djokovic leads this rivalry 31-29, Nadal has bested him in 11 of their 18 major matchups.
In a recent interview with AS, Nadal, who is set to retire next month, delved into his rivalries with both Federer and Djokovic. “Djokovic is the player I have faced the most, but for me, my biggest rival has been Federer. Because, when I arrived on the circuit, it was Federer who was there and he was the first,” he stated.
He continued, “During my prime, it was Roger and Novak who stood out. But those early years, which leave a lasting impression, were marked by my battles with Roger.”
Nadal also speculated that the intensity of his rivalries with both players has been more pronounced than the one they share between themselves. “I can’t pinpoint why, but I feel the world perceives it that way,” he remarked. He attributed part of this to the stark contrast in playing styles and philosophies with Federer.
“When it comes to Novak, he has been an incredible challenge. He consistently performs at an elite level and improves every year. The statistics show that he’s the best, and he’s managed to stay remarkably injury-free,” Nadal explained.
As Federer concluded his illustrious career in 2022, Nadal looks forward to his final competitive outing at next month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, marking the end of an era for one of tennis’s most storied rivalries.